The government on Monday rolled out a long-term master plan to establish a Port Industrial Complex at Port Qasim, a project expected to strengthen Pakistan’s industrial base, boost exports and enhance the port’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub. The plan was announced by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, while chairing a meeting outlining the Port Industrial Complex vision, according to a statement. During the meeting, the minister said Port Qasim’s integrated planning and phased development were designed to transform the port into a globally competitive industrial and logistics hub, aligned with Pakistan’s broader objectives of trade expansion, industrialisation and blue economy growth. Chaudhry said the Port Qasim climate-resilient industrial hub could generate tens of billions of dollars in economic impact over the next two decades, strengthening Pakistan’s industrial base, boosting exports, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, and positioning the country as a competitive regional trade and industrial centre. “Its focus on sustainability and climate resilience will also mitigate future environmental and economic risks, enhancing long-term investment confidence”, the minister stated. Govt moves to ease Port Qasim congestion with new unloading, berthing measures Chaudhry noted that the master plan spans a total area of more than 14,590 acres, structured to ensure balanced industrial development, efficient port operations and sustainable land use over five decades. “This long-term planning framework reflects our commitment to continuity, investor confidence and economic resilience,” he said. The maritime minister noted the industrial complex has been divided into three zones, including the North Western Zone, the Eastern Zone and the South Western Zone. “The North Western Zone, covering 3,061 acres, has been earmarked for diversified industrial activity, supporting value-added manufacturing and ancillary services linked to port operations,” he added. He said the Eastern Zone, the largest component of the complex at 7,273 acres, is being developed as the primary industrial backbone, offering space for heavy industries, export-oriented units and logistics facilities. Chaudhry added that the South Western Zone, spread over 2,258 acres, has been allocated for specialised industrial and commercial uses, while 1,997 acres of low-lying area are being managed through phased development and environmental safeguards to ensure sustainable utilisation. Highlighting operational capacity, Chaudhry said Port Qasim currently hosts 833 operational units, reflecting strong industrial uptake and sustained investor interest. In addition, 40 units are under construction, signalling continued expansion and confidence in the port’s prospects. “These figures demonstrate that Port Qasim is not merely a maritime facility, but a living industrial ecosystem that continues to grow,” he said. “Our vision is to position Port Qasim as a regional hub that meets international standards and contributes meaningfully to Pakistan’s economic transformation,” he said.